Light hand: do not collapse the vein

Question 1A small vein disappears when you scan. What is the first thing to try?

1. aPress harder to bring the vein closer
2. bSwitch to a lower-frequency probe
3. cPuncture where the vein was
4. dLift the probe slightly until the vein reopens and the image steadies

Question 2Why use plenty of gel?

1. aIt replaces the need for a tourniquet
2. bIt makes veins distend
3. cIt improves the needle shaft image
4. dGel carries the sound, so you can scan with less pressure

Question 3How does a gel stand-off help with a very superficial vein?

1. aIt moves the vein away from the poorly seen top of the image and keeps it open
2. bIt stops the needle bending
3. cIt numbs the skin
4. dIt makes the vein larger

Question 4How do you tell a vein from an artery with the probe?

1. aPress as hard as you can: both vessels stay open
2. bLook at the colour of the lumen on grey scale
3. cApply gentle pressure: a vein collapses and an artery does not
4. dAsk the patient to hold their breath